Correlates of Perioperative Fatigue Among Chinese Gynecological Cancer Patients: A Cross-sectional Study Guided by the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms
Listed in
This article is not in any list yet, why not save it to one of your lists.Abstract
Purpose Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a prevalent and highly distressing symptom reported by gynecological cancer patients during the perioperative period. Based on the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (TOUS), this cross-sectional study examined correlates of perioperative CRF to refine clinical comprehension and inform management strategies. Methods Our study recruited 215 gynecological cancer patients undergoing surgery at a Class A tertiary hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. Data were collected from November 2023 to June 2024, during which subjective questionnaire data and objective hematological levels and patient characteristics were collected. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess physiological, psychological, and situational factors potentially associated with CRF. Results The mean CFS scores at admission and discharge were 20.42 ± 9.15 and 20.27 ± 8.00, respectively. Postoperative physical fatigue increased while cognitive fatigue decreased compared to preoperatively, with no significant difference in total fatigue scores. A multiple linear regression model demonstrated that albumin, alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, sleep disorders, and the bodily pain (BP), general health perceptions (GH), and vitality (VT) dimensions of the SF-36 explained 64.2% of the variance in preoperative CRF. Additionally, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), preoperative CRF scores, and the BP and VT subscales of the SF-36 were identified as significant correlates of postoperative CRF. Conclusion This study identified key physiological, psychological, and situational factors correlated with perioperative CRF in gynecological cancer patients. Findings highlight the significance of sleep quality, pain management, and select blood biomarkers in CRF assessment and intervention. Targeted strategies addressing these modifiable factors may improve symptom management and support postoperative recovery.
